A problem solver that helps build brands and business in the wild west that is modern marketing.
Bill Starkey can fold a fitted sheet. He can destroy a curve ball, curse like a sailor (thanks to 12 years of catholic school), cook a mean texas-style chili, and has seen the movie Predator no fewer than 275 times. He’s also been told he’s a pretty dang good creative.
Bill studied advertising at the University of Delaware in Newark (that’s New-Ark) DE, graduating with a Visual Communications degree.
His career started in Baltimore at Trahan Burden and Charles, cutting his teeth as an art director on Maryland Tourism and Micron Computers. He also worked on clients the likes of the Baltimore Orioles, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Washington Capitals.
After surviving Y2K, Bill moved south. He joined Long Haymes Carr in Winston-Salem, NC as an art director, working on Champion, Hanes, and Thomasville Furniture.
Next, stop, Mullen, where he worked his way to become a GCD/VP, leading the creative side of accounts like Sealy Mattresses and various LOB’s for Wachovia (now Wells Fargo). There, he and his partner won the NC office’s first Cannes Lion.
Longing for “northern” hospitality, Bill joined Philly start-up STICK and MOVE as a CD – influencing branding and overall tone of everything that left the shop.
Red Tettemer &
Partners was next, where he continued to oversee and execute traditional, digital and
social efforts for Yakima, Dial for Men, Leatherman Tools, Comcast, HBO and
Under Armour, and in the process, helped the tiny shop earn runner up honor for Ad Week’s Small Agency of the Year Awards.
A spot as a Creative Director at 1 Trick Pony was next. There he and his team launched the first ever Virgin Hotel. He also was responsible for social, digital and traditional efforts for Hard Rock All Inclusive Resorts,
BNY Mellon, and Alaska Airlines, amongst others. It was also there he started to write as his primary responsibilty and creative outlet.
Most recently, Bill was the Executive Creative Director at p.mg, where he focused on leading the groups agencies, including Pavone and quench, helping grow the agencies Philadelphia presence from 8 to 25 people.
Bill’s work can be found in CA, The One Show, NY Art Directors Club, the Type
Directors Club, British D&AD, and Cannes. He’s won gold at
the Addys on a local, regional and national level - including Best in Show in
Philly. Plus, he also has the ability to say he’s “Huge in Japan,” as a few of his TV spots were voted funniest of the year by a Japanese
TV show. He’s judged creative shows up and down the east coast, and teaches advertising, portfolio preparation and design research at the University of Delaware. In 2022, he completed his MFA in communication design from Kutztown University.
Free time, if he has any, might find Bill wrenching on old American muscle cars, out on his road bike, or rating the
various pierogi restaurants found in his travels. He finds true frustration in golf. He also currently sits on the board of AIGA Philadelphia.
Bill lives in South Philly, yo, with his wife Heidi and Buster Brown the Shih Tzu.
Sadly, Bill is of no relation to Ringo Star.
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